COVENTRY has a “wonderful opportunity” to create a lasting Olympic legacy, according to one of the politicians who helped bring the Games to the city.

Shadow minister for the olympics, Tessa Jowell, visited the Ricoh Arena ahead of this Thursday’s city council elections, and said that one of the key challenges would be taking full advantage of the Games.

She toured the arena, which will be rebranded the City of Coventry Stadium for the 2012 event, on Monday.

“I think one of the most important things to remember is that Coventry will be the first Olympic venue,” the Labour member said.

“I’ll be here on July 25 and there will be 12 football matches in total.

“The challenge to the council is similar to the previous challenge that delivered the Ricoh Arena.

“They will need to have the ambition and drive to deliver on this great opportunity for Coventry which will have benefits here and throughout the region.

“That’s why it’s so important that people come out and vote on Thursday. There are so many benefits that could be derived from the games and that needs to start now.

“There is a need to maximise the tourism opportunity and other opportunities.”

Ms Jowell, suggested that Coventry would continue to see the benefits of being an Olympic venue for years to come as visitors return to the city.

“It’s something I’ve always emphasised,” she said. “Obviously many people will visit during the games but what we want to see is visitors coming back two or three years later.”

The shadow minister, who was joined by Coventry Labour MP Bob Ainsworth and city councillors George Duggins and Ann Lucas following the tour, also took the opportunity to blast the decision to scrap regional body Advantage West Midlands, who poured £5 million into the stadium.

“It’s absolutely shocking,” she said. “I know that Bob Ainsworth and many of my other colleagues are appalled by its winding down.

“It just makes no sense at all, especially when you look at this stadium.”